The fire broke out at a family entertainment venue in Rajkot district of Gujarat.
At least 24 people, including many children, died in a fire that broke out at a family entertainment venue in the western Indian state of Gujarat, a government official said.
As rescue efforts continued at the scene on Saturday afternoon in Rajkot district, the local mayor told Reuters news agency that the death toll was expected to rise.
“Our focus is on rescue operations and saving lives. We will ensure that strict action is taken against the people responsible for this incident,” said Mayor Nayana Pedhadiya.
More than 300 people were in the two-story structure of the TRP amusement and theme park when the fire broke out as it was a holiday weekend, Rajkot fire officer Ilesh Kher told reporters.
“People were trapped when a temporary structure at the facility collapsed near the entrance, making it difficult for people to get out,” he said.
“The flames spread quickly due to its flammable material,” he added.
Television images showed a massive fire engulfing the TRP playing area and thick clouds of smoke emanating from the venue. The entire structure was destroyed by the fire.
A police officer at the local civil hospital said some of the bodies were also charred beyond recognition.
Meanwhile, district fire chief IV Kher said firefighters had almost brought the fire under control.
“The cause of the fire has not yet been determined,” he told Reuters.
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel said an investigation into the incident had been handed over to a Special Investigation Team (SIT), and television reports added that Rajkot police had detained two people in connection with the incident. .
Gujarat is the home state of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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